Free From Food Awards 2019

Once again healthpro had the privilege of contributing to the judging panel for this years’ Free From Food Awards (FFFA).

The FFFA recognise and reward ongoing product innovation in the “free-from” food sector. Such products cater for the growing consumer demand for foods free of specific food allergens such as gluten, dairy, egg, etc. 

The judging panel consisted of professionals from the Irish food industry such as chefs and food technicians, food and health writers, restaurant reviewers, coeliac consumers and ourselves, contributing our nutrition and dietetic input. We were tasked with assessing a variety of entries from cooking desserts, ice creams, cheese, cookies, sausages, juices, protein balls and chicken with evaluation criteria focussed on quality, taste, flavour, aroma, texture, ingredients and importantly, “Free-From” declarations.

Historically, gluten-free products in particular often contained higher fat, sugar and salt content and greater range of additives and preservatives than gluten-containing equivalents. We were particularly pleased to see improved nutritional profiles of many entries to this years’ judging – a high-scoring sauce for example was composed of entirely natural ingredients, had a favourable nutritional composition, and did not include any artificial stabilisers, thickeners and preservatives. In general, we witnessed a trend for greater consideration toward the nutritional properties of products amongst food producers. 

Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit and/or Innovation Awards for food producers in this sector carries much prestige and affords a powerful marketing opportunity in an increasingly crowded and highly competitive retail environment. We wish all entrants every success with their respective products and look forward to their recognition at the forthcoming Free From Food Awards Annual Gala Dinner.